Jeremiah 44:3

KJV

Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger, in that they went to burn incense, [and] to serve other gods, whom they knew not, [neither] they, ye, nor your fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {H6440} of their wickedness {H7451} which they have committed {H6213} to provoke me to anger {H3707}, in that they went {H3212} to burn incense {H6999}, and to serve {H5647} other {H312} gods {H430}, whom they knew {H3045} not, neither they, ye, nor your fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It came about because of the wicked things they did to make me angry - sacrificing to and serving other gods, whom they did not know, neither they, nor you nor your ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

because of the evil they have done. They provoked Me to anger by continuing to burn incense and to serve other gods that neither they nor you nor your fathers ever knew.

American Standard Version

because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger, in that they went to burn incense, and to serve other gods, that they knew not, neither they, nor ye, nor your fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:3 serves as a stark divine indictment against the Jewish remnant in Egypt, attributing the desolation of Judah and Jerusalem directly to their persistent and generational wickedness, specifically their idolatrous practices of burning incense and serving foreign gods. This verse underscores God's righteous anger as a just consequence for their defiant rebellion against His covenant and His exclusive claim to their worship, highlighting a pattern of spiritual amnesia and disobedience spanning generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 44:3 is embedded within a powerful prophetic discourse delivered by Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles who had fled to Egypt following the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple (586 BCE). The preceding verses, [Jeremiah 44:1](/jeremiah/44-1 "Jeremiah 44:1 - Word of the Lord to Jews in Egypt") and [Jeremiah 44:2](/jeremiah/44-2 "Jeremiah 44:2 - Desolation of Judah"), establish the immediate historical backdrop, explicitly reminding the people of the catastrophic judgment that befell Judah and Jerusalem. This judgment, Jeremiah insists, was not random but a direct result of their idolatry and rebellion. Verse 3 then details the specific nature of this wickedness, setting the stage for Jeremiah's subsequent warnings against continuing these practices in Egypt, lest they face an even more complete annihilation. The entire chapter serves as a final, desperate plea from God through His prophet to a people determined to repeat their fatal errors.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, many Jews, fearing Babylonian reprisal, sought refuge in Egypt despite Jeremiah's clear prophetic warnings against it (cf. [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - Warning Against Going to Egypt") and [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - The Flight to Egypt")). They settled in various parts of Egypt, including Pathros (Upper Egypt), where this message is specifically addressed. Culturally, Egypt was a polytheistic society, and the temptation for the Jewish exiles to assimilate and adopt local deities was strong, particularly in their desperation for security and prosperity. The act of "burning incense" was a common form of worship in the ancient Near East, often associated with pagan rituals and offerings to various gods and goddesses, such as the "Queen of Heaven" mentioned later in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - Worship of the Queen of Heaven"). This practice was a direct affront to the exclusive worship of Yahweh, as commanded in the [Torah](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment as a Consequence of Sin**, particularly idolatry. God's anger is not arbitrary but a just response to covenant unfaithfulness, as seen throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-2 - Israel's Unfaithfulness")). Secondly, the verse underscores the pervasive and destructive nature of **Idolatry**. The worship of "other gods" is presented as the primary wickedness, a betrayal of the unique relationship between Yahweh and Israel, established at Sinai (cf. [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods")). Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Generational Sin and Its Consequences**. The phrase "neither they, ye, nor your fathers" emphasizes a long-standing pattern of disobedience passed down through generations, culminating in the desolation of the land (cf. [Lamentations 5:7](/lamentations/5-7 "Lamentations 5:7 - Sins of Fathers")). Finally, it implicitly reinforces the **Sovereignty and Exclusivity of Yahweh**, contrasting the true, living God with the impotent, "unknown" idols.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This word encompasses both moral evil and the resulting calamity or affliction. It describes a state of being bad, displeasing, and harmful. In this context, it refers to the deep moral corruption of Israel's actions, particularly their idolatry, which was inherently offensive to God and brought about devastating consequences. It signifies not just isolated acts but a pervasive condition of spiritual depravity.
* **provoke me to anger (Hebrew, _kaʻaç'_):** This term denotes a deep displeasure, vexation, and righteous indignation. It is not a fleeting human emotion but a settled, just response from a holy God to persistent and deliberate rebellion against His character and commands. The people's actions were a direct affront, designed to incite divine wrath due to their blatant disregard for the covenant.
* **knew not (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The Hebrew word for "know" (yâdaʻ) implies more than mere intellectual acquaintance; it often refers to an intimate, experiential, and covenantal knowledge. When applied to the "other gods," it highlights that these deities were foreign, not revealed by God, and had no legitimate claim to Israel's worship. Their worship was based on ignorance and spiritual blindness, in stark contrast to the personal, revealed knowledge of Yahweh that Israel was privileged to possess. This lack of true knowledge of the idols underscores their emptiness and the folly of worshipping them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger":** This clause establishes a direct causal link between the people's actions and God's judgment. Their "wickedness" (raʻ) was not passive but actively "committed" (ʻâsâh), leading to a deliberate "provoking to anger" (kaʻaç) of God. This emphasizes divine justice—judgment is a righteous response to persistent sin, not an arbitrary act.
* **"in that they went to burn incense, and to serve other gods":** This specifies the primary manifestation of their wickedness: idolatry. "Burning incense" (qâṭar) and "serving" (ʻâbad) were acts of worship and devotion. The phrase "other gods" (ʼachêr ʼĕlôhîym) highlights the transgression against the First Commandment, indicating a turning away from the one true God to false deities.
* **"whom they knew not, neither they, ye, nor your fathers":** This final clause underscores the foreignness and emptiness of these idols, contrasting them with the intimately known God of Israel. The repetition "neither they, ye, nor your fathers" emphasizes the generational nature of this spiritual ignorance and rebellion, implying a long history of apostasy that culminated in the desolation of the land. It highlights a profound spiritual amnesia regarding their covenant God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "provoke me to anger," attributing human emotion (anger) to God to make His righteous indignation comprehensible to the audience. This is not a fleeting human rage but a settled, just response to profound covenant unfaithfulness. The passage also utilizes **Repetition** through the phrase "whom they knew not, neither they, ye, nor your fathers." This emphatic repetition serves to highlight the deep-seated, generational nature of Israel's spiritual ignorance and their persistent turning away from the revealed God to foreign, unknown deities. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between the true, covenant-making God (implied by the very act of provoking Him) and the "other gods" who were "known not," emphasizing the emptiness and futility of idolatry versus the living reality of Yahweh. The entire verse functions as a concise **Cause-and-Effect Statement**, directly linking the people's sinful actions to the divine judgment they experienced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:3 profoundly articulates the theological principle that God's holiness demands exclusive worship and that persistent idolatry inevitably invites divine judgment. It reveals God's character as one who is deeply offended by spiritual infidelity, viewing the worship of "other gods" as a direct provocation. This verse serves as a sober reminder that God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to a people who repeatedly rejected His covenant and embraced spiritual falsehoods, even across generations. The desolation of Judah was a tangible demonstration of His unwavering commitment to His own glory and the consequences of violating His commands.

* [Deuteronomy 6:14-15](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14-15 - Do Not Go After Other Gods")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols")
* [Romans 1:18-23](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18-23 - God's Wrath Against Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:3 is a timeless warning against the insidious nature of idolatry, reminding us that God demands our singular devotion. While we may not bow to physical statues, modern idolatry often manifests as placing anything—career, wealth, relationships, comfort, self-image, or even good causes—above our ultimate allegiance to God. This verse challenges us to honestly examine our hearts: What consumes our thoughts, dictates our decisions, and receives our primary worship? Are we learning from the historical consequences of disobedience, or are we, like the exiles, repeating the errors of past generations by pursuing false securities and fleeting pleasures? Understanding God's righteous anger against sin should not lead to fear but to a deeper reverence for His holiness and a fervent desire to live in faithful obedience, recognizing that true life and security are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" or idols, subtle or overt, might be competing for my devotion in today's world?**
* **How does understanding God's "anger" as righteous indignation against sin shape my view of His character?**
* **In what ways might I be repeating generational patterns of spiritual compromise or disobedience?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more intimate "knowing" of God that protects me from spiritual wandering?**

### FAQ
**Why was God so angry with the people's wickedness, specifically their idolatry?**
Answer: God's anger, as described in Jeremiah 44:3, is not an irrational outburst but a righteous and just response to covenant unfaithfulness. Israel had entered into a unique covenant relationship with Yahweh at Mount Sinai, where He revealed Himself as the one true God and commanded them to have no other gods before Him ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Their idolatry was a direct violation of this covenant, a spiritual adultery that betrayed His love and sovereignty. It was an act of rebellion that denied His exclusive claim to their worship, effectively exchanging the glory of the immortal God for images ([Romans 1:23](/romans/1-23 "Romans 1:23 - Exchanging God's Glory for Idols")). God's anger stems from His holiness and His commitment to His own glory, as well as His desire for His people's true flourishing, which is found only in exclusive devotion to Him.

**What does "whom they knew not" imply about these "other gods"?**
Answer: The phrase "whom they knew not" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) is highly significant. It implies a profound contrast between the true God, Yahweh, who had intimately revealed Himself to Israel through His acts of salvation, His Law, and His prophets, and the pagan deities. These "other gods" were foreign, unrevealed, and ultimately impotent. Israel had no covenant relationship with them, nor did these idols possess the power or character of the living God. Their worship was based on ignorance, superstition, and a turning away from the revealed truth. It highlights the emptiness and futility of idolatry, as these gods were not personal, did not act in history, and could not save or deliver, unlike Yahweh, who had demonstrated His power and faithfulness repeatedly (cf. [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")).

**Is the sin of idolatry, as described in Jeremiah 44:3, still relevant for believers today?**
Answer: Absolutely. While modern idolatry rarely involves burning incense to physical statues, the principle remains profoundly relevant. Idolatry, at its core, is placing anything or anyone in the position that rightfully belongs to God alone. This can manifest in subtle but powerful ways: an excessive pursuit of wealth, career success, personal comfort, social status, or even relationships, to the point where these things become the ultimate source of our security, identity, or joy, displacing God. The New Testament broadens the definition of idolatry to include covetousness ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")), and Jesus Himself warned against serving two masters, God and money ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")). Jeremiah 44:3 reminds us that God still demands exclusive devotion, and anything that competes for His rightful place in our hearts is a form of idolatry that provokes His displeasure and hinders our spiritual well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:3 vividly portrays humanity's pervasive sin of idolatry and God's righteous anger against it, a spiritual condition that finds its ultimate remedy and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "wickedness" and "serving other gods" that provoked God's anger represent humanity's universal rebellion, a deep-seated inclination to worship creation rather than the Creator ([Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Worshiping the Creature Rather Than the Creator")). The "other gods whom they knew not" point to the futility of seeking life and truth outside of God's revelation, a spiritual blindness that only the true light can dispel. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not only to bear the full weight of God's righteous anger against sin on the cross ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")) but also to liberate us from the bondage of idolatry. He is the one through whom we truly "know" God, for He is the [exact imprint of God's nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory") and the only way to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ makes it possible for us to turn from "idols to serve the living and true God" ([1_thessalonians/1-9](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9 - Turning to God from Idols")), offering us a new covenant of grace where our hearts are transformed to worship Him alone in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, the judgment foreshadowed in Jeremiah finds its resolution in Christ's redemptive work, offering forgiveness for past idolatry and the power to live a life of exclusive devotion to the one true God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 29:26

For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and [whom] he had not given unto them:

Deuteronomy 32:17

They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new [gods that] came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.

Deuteronomy 13:6

¶ If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;

Jeremiah 44:8

In that ye provoke me unto wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense unto other gods in the land of Egypt, whither ye be gone to dwell, that ye might cut yourselves off, and that ye might be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth?

Nehemiah 9:33

Howbeit thou [art] just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

Daniel 9:5

We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:

Ezekiel 8:17

Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen [this], O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.